Arrivabene tells Vettel to be stronger and fight more next season

Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene has told Sebastian Vettel to be a stronger fighter in 2019. He jokingly tells his driver to bring "elbow pads" to help him along during battles against Red Bull and Mercedes next season.

To beat Mercedes next year, the boss of the Italian team knows they must kick out their mistakes. While strategic mistakes made by Ferrari, Vettel made a few of his own. The biggest of the season came when he ran wide in Hockenheim and lost his lead to Lewis Hamilton.

"We made painful mistakes and analysed everything to prevent it for a second time. We pursue the same goal as Sebastian. He must do the best possible in the Ferrari," Arrivabene said.

"Maybe we should give him elbow pads to fight back better when it gets rough," he said with a wink.

Joking aside, Arrivabene knows his own team must better prepare the car before Vettel climbs in.

"We must give him a good foundation for this; a strong car and flawless teamwork. If that succeeds, I know that Vettel performs extra well and is capable of big things," he added.